Episode 5: A Proposal of Pixels

Li Wei closed her laptop, her mind still replaying the previous night’s chat. The effortless flow of their conversation, the way he seemed to understand her thoughts before she even typed them, the simple kindness of his "go get some rest." It all lingered, leaving a pleasant warmth in her chest. Her friends joked about her being a ghost, a legend who logged on, crushed a dungeon, and vanished, but AzureDragon seemed to see past her in-game persona. He saw Autumn Rain, the strategist, the mind behind the sword. The thought made her smile. She was a different person in the game—bolder, more direct—and he was drawn to that version of her.

When she logged in that evening, she found a private message waiting for her.

AzureDragon: I have a proposal. AzureDragon.

Her heart fluttered. Was he going to suggest a new raid? A new strategy?

Autumn Rain: You always have a proposal. What is it this time? Autumn Rain.

AzureDragon: For our partnership. We make an incredible team in-game. Our skills are complementary, our teamwork is flawless. It’s the kind of synergy you don’t often find. AzureDragon.

Autumn Rain: I agree. So? Autumn Rain.

AzureDragon: A lot of top players in the game form in-game marriages. It offers a variety of buffs for both partners. It also boosts our 'Camaraderie' stat. It's a common practice. AzureDragon.

Li Wei felt a rush of conflicting emotions. On one hand, it was a perfectly logical suggestion. In-game marriages were a staple of many MMORPGs, providing tangible benefits like shared experience points, special mounts, and unique emotes. On the other hand, it was a marriage. The word, even in a digital context, carried weight. It was a commitment, a bond.

Autumn Rain: You're suggesting we… get married? Autumn Rain.

AzureDragon: In the game, yes. It's strictly for the buffs, of course. And the camaraderie. We're already 'Digital Soulmates,' according to the system. It would just be making it official. AzureDragon.

His message was laced with a teasing charm that made her smile. He was playing it cool, presenting it as a purely tactical decision, but she could read between the lines. He wanted to make it more official, to formalize their connection.

Autumn Rain: Just for the buffs, huh? And the camaraderie? Autumn Rain.

AzureDragon: Of course. No ulterior motives. I just want to maximize our performance. Think of it as a strategic upgrade. AzureDragon.

He was so clever. He was using her own language against her, framing the proposal in terms of strategy and efficiency, things she valued more than anything.

Autumn Rain: What about the other players? My friends will never let me live this down. Autumn Rain.

AzureDragon: They're already teasing us. This will just give them more material. And who cares what they think? We're the best players on the server. AzureDragon.

Li Wei felt a warm sense of pride. He was right. Their performance in the raid had cemented their status as a legendary duo. She looked at her avatar, Autumn Rain, a fierce warrior who had defeated dragons, and then at her screen, where AzureDragon, the powerful mage, was patiently waiting for her response. This was more than just a game; it was a partnership, a true connection.

Autumn Rain: Just for the buffs, then. I accept. Autumn Rain.

A second later, a system notification appeared on her screen.

“AzureDragon has proposed marriage. Do you accept?”

She clicked yes.

“Congratulations! Autumn Rain and AzureDragon are now betrothed! A wedding ceremony will take place in the Grand Sky Palace on a date chosen by the players.”

A flurry of private messages from her friends immediately flooded her inbox.

Xiao Mei: YOU SAID YES?! Wang Lin: Is this a joke? I can't believe it! Chen Jing: My money was on you two becoming legendary rivals. Not… this.

Li Wei laughed, a genuine, joyful sound that filled her quiet dorm room. She had no regrets. This was a new adventure, and she was ready for it.

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